A case study on ELT teachers' perceptions towards professional development activities

In recent years, because of the changing nature of language and high standards of the modern age, professional development of language teachers has gained importance. The purpose of this study was to investigate language teachers' perceptions towards professional development activities and the factors that hinder their professional development. The participants of this study were 122 English language instructors at Erciyes University School of Foreign Languages. The data collected were analyzed descriptively to find out teachers' perceptions and differences among teachers. The data analysis indicated that teachers accepted professional development activities as part of their professional life but did not implement them as much. Gender and experience were indicators of differences among teachers. Almost all the factors that hinder teachers' professional development were found important by language teachers. However, self motivation was considered as the most important factor hindering professional development.